By: Nick Vasilevski, senior
(Photo courtesy of Northwestern Memorial Hospital)
Hi, my name is Nick and I am a histotechnology major at Roosevelt University. I am in Week 6 of my year-long required clinical portion of the program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. If you are considering one of Roosevelt’s allied health majors (diagnostic medical sonography; histotechnology; medical technology; nuclear medicine technology; radiation therapy technology; radiography ), my experience will give you an idea of what it is like to be enrolled in one of these rigorous programs.
I didn’t know much about histotechnology, until the program director from Northwestern Memorial Hospital visited one of my biology classes to talk with the students. I knew from that moment, that I wanted to become a histotechnologist. After having my interview and being accepted into the program, I was super nervous and excited to start. I didn’t know what to expect since I would no longer be attending lectures and labs at Roosevelt during the clinical portion of my program.
Once I was accepted, I had to order 6 pieces of scrubs (long sleeve, shorts sleeve, bottoms, zip-up sweater) at no cost. I had to have a physical and had to make sure that my immunization records were up to date. I then had to have a drug test (free of cost) at Northwestern and also had a mask fit.
First day:
I took the red line to the Chicago stop and from there the hospital was about a 10 minute or so walk. Day 1 was pretty relaxed. We went over the syllabus, the student handbook, safety protocols and met our fellow students (there were only 4 students in this selective program). We received our ID badges and we were given a tour of the entire hospital.
Current update:
Wow! I cannot believe that I just completed my 6th week of the program. Time honestly flies by when you are busy and have a lot of work to do. There is a lot of work, but if you manage your time wisely, it is very doable. We spend a lot of time in the lab and the classroom. The projects are fun, and the homework is a very good study tool for exams and quizzes. The material is so interesting and really makes me enjoy coming to class every day.
My Schedule:
Monday:
Anatomy. The teacher gives us a week to learn the material and we are given an anatomy quiz the following Monday. There is a final project for anatomy due at the end of the semester (February), but you are given the assignment well in advance.
Tuesday-Thursday:
Histotechnology. These days we are learning all about histology and we spend a lot of time in the lab.
Friday:
Lab Management. These days are more relaxed and yet are very informative. In this class we learn different management skills and how to become a better coworker and manager.
I also recommend that you take every opportunity to meet with Northwestern Memorial Hospital Clinical Program Directors when they visit the Roosevelt Campus.
And for information about applying for clinical placements, read my blog or contact me at nvasilevski@mail.roosevelt.edu.